10 Reasons Why You Should Watch the 2016 Oscars
Well, it's that time of year again: time for the pomp, pageantry, and prognostication of the Academy Awards. And if it seems like the same old, same old, it's not – there are still plenty of reasons to watch this year's show. In fact, we've got ten right here.
1. The Best Picture Race Is Still Wide Open
Unlike past years, when the winners seemed to be a foregone conclusion ("Mad Max: Fury Road" (can you imagine?) To Valhalla!
2. Chris Rock
There are few things as exciting as this year's host, Chris Rock. He's proven that he can do a great job, by sidestepping the shtick that has derailed hosts in the past. And thanks to this year's glaring and very problematic #OscarsSoWhite controversy, he is the right man to comment on the situation while still making it accessible for casual viewers.
3. The Presenters
The latest group of presenters was just announced, and it included Star Wars: The Force Awakens."
4. The Musical Performances
The fact that Sam Smith, The Weeknd (!) and Lady Gaga (double !) are all nominated in the Best Original Song category means that there are some guaranteed barn-burning musical performances already scheduled for Sunday night. Hopefully the guests will be able to dance in their tuxes and ball gowns.
5. The Outfits
And speaking of tuxes and ball gowns, everyone watches the Oscars to see what people are wearing, and this year should be no exception. While the Oscars ceremony comes at the end of a long and exhausting awards season, most save the best (and most glamorous) for last. And whether they're absolute fiascos or pieces of unbridled brilliance, the outfits are always worth talking about.
6. 2015 Was a Great Year for Movies
People seem to forget what an unbelievable year for movies it was in 2015, arguably one of the greatest years in recent cinema. Here's hoping that the Oscars -- through jokes, jabs, and well-edited montages -- will remind people just how good Hollywood's output was last year.
7. You've Probably Got a Lot Riding On The Winners
it it: you've bet big in your office pool and are looking to take home a small dingy full of cash. Well, you've got to watch the big show to know if you've won.
8. Leo Should Finally Be Victorious
9. The 'In Memoriam' Should Be Extra Weepy This Year
Think about it: in the last few months we've lost Alan Rickman and David Bowie. While there's no guarantee either will appear in this year's super-weepy segment, the amount of talent we've lost over the previous year is incalculable to the art form and to the performer or technicians' loved ones. Considering how many truly staggering talents we've lost over the previous year (Leonard Nimoy, Christopher Lee, and Wes Craven, to name a few), expect numerous hankies to be snottily blown during the Oscars' memorial tribute segment.
10. It's Something to Talk About
If nothing else, the Oscars provide perfect watercooler chit-chat: a big, cultural moment that captures the zeitgeist with a singularity rarely seen in the business. Expect social media to be just as lively as your in-office debate the next day (especially if you come out on top of your office pool).
